Five Players Share the Lead

Leading the way is Leona Maguire. The Irishwoman, ranked 85th in the world, kicked off the action this morning despite an opening bogey. Four years after tying the course record (61; -10), she carded a six-under-par round today — the perfect start to her sixth week in Haute-Savoie. She also claimed the tournament’s first hole-in-one on the par-3 second. A two-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Maguire continues to chase her dream of lifting her first Major title.

Joining her at the top of the leaderboard are four more players — two Americans and two Australians — all of whom also shot a superb opening 65 (-6), matching Maguire’s score. The Australians, in particular, played flawlessly, both posting bogey-free rounds. Gabriela Ruffels closed with four birdies over her final seven holes to post her best score yet at Évian. Grace Kim, teeing off a few hours later, matched her countrywoman's performance in what is her third appearance at the event.

Americans Andrea Lee and Jennifer Kupcho also came out strong. Lee teed off early this morning, while Kupcho made the most of sunny afternoon conditions on The Champions Course.

Lottie Woad (a) Plays Fearlessly

Playing in the same group as Maguire, 21-year-old English amateur Lottie Woad made a strong impression. She carded a three-under 68, highlighted by five birdies — one of the standout performances of the opening round. Since topping the World Amateur Golf Ranking in June 2024, Woad has been on a mission. After missing the cut at the Chevron Championship and finishing 31st at the U.S. Women’s Open, she handled her third Major of the year with confidence. A top-25 finish this week would automatically grant her LPGA Tour membership, thanks to a new rule implemented by the American circuit.

Past Champions in Striking Distance

All told, around 30 players finished under par. Among them, several former champions made their presence felt. Minjee Lee (2021) sits just one shot off the lead at -5, one stroke ahead of Ayaka Furue (2024) and two ahead of Céline Boutier (2023). World No. 1 Nelly Korda is also in the mix, her four-under 67 putting her in the top 10.

Further down the board, several marquee players posted a modest 73 (+2), including Lilia Vu, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, and 2017 champion Anna Nordqvist.